'Game of Thrones' Michelle Fairley Discusses Her New Role on '24'

By Chrissy Piccolo, BLOGCRITICS.ORG

Published 10:00 pm, Monday, May 19, 2014

Last week the audience was finally formally introduced to this season's villain, terrorist Margot Al- Harazi, played by Game of Thrones star Michelle Fairley. Not only is Margot determined to do whatever it takes, it's All In The Family so to speak as her son (Ian, Liam Garrington), daughter (Simone, Emily Berrington) and son-in-law (Naveed, Sascha Dhawan) are also committed to the mission. What is the mission? To take revenge on American President Heller (William Devane) who ordered an air strike in Yemen that killed husband and father, terrorist Al-queda Commander Mohammed Al-Harazi, three years ago.

Though still filming in London, Michelle Fairley took the time to chat with journalists about her new role.

Although Judy Davis was initially approached, producers offered Fairley the role, and after many conversations with the writers in LA, she accepted. The writers had a clear picture of exactly who their villain was, a very passionate, committed woman to her cause. As many know, on 24 they write the scripts as they film. In watching the dailies it has allowed them to write specifically to how Fairley plays Margot. In addition, it gives them more flexibility knowing who they're writing for and can use her interpretations to enhance the character.

How does one prepare to connect with such a strong, radical villain? Fairley researched groups like freedom fighters to get a feel for their passion, total conviction for what they believe and what they are doing. Obviously the character of Margot has a core belief system that she refuses to abandon. It's who she is. She'll do whatever it takes to reach the endgame and will never deter from it or allow anyone involved to stray from it, no matter the cost.

Fairley describes Margot as a highly intelligent woman. While some might label her radical views and actions as crazy, she's not dumb, but is methodical and fully committed to what she is doing. I find it interesting that Simone is sort of her foot soldier, in the same role her mother had years before, so Margot is fully aware of all the moving parts within the plot.

Fairly explains, "The guys (writers) were very diligent about the fact this woman, she's running this like a military operation that's taken many years to come to this point. She's patient. She knows it's the right time to strike and she will take it with such seriousness . It's so orchestrated."

While Margot Al-Harazi is almost completely opposite of Fairley's world-renowned role as Caitlyn Stark on Game of Thrones, both characters are similar in that they are strong women, fiercely loyal to their families.

Fairley describes that Margot loves her family, is still mourning the death of her husband and has a deep-rooted belief in what she is doing. Much like an act straight out of Shakespeare, Fairley reveals that love will play a big part as the season continues. "Love comes into play in this family very, very heavily, from her daughter's point of view with her husband, plus her relationship with her mother." Then there's a little bit of sibling rivalry going on because her son is clearly on the outs with his mother and is envious of the attention Simone receives from her. Fairley adds,"It's a real power struggle for affection." Does this mean tragedy for Simone and her hubby? I wouldn't be surprised!

There is definitely a huge struggle within Simone's husband Naveed, who is set to pilot the drones targeting Heller. Upon her daughter's return, Margot immediately picks up on her son-in-law's reluctance to follow through with his part of the plan and disgust at what his wife has to do in the field. In an effort to ensure his allegiance, she steps in to keep him in line. However should Naveed waver in any way against her plan, Fairley believes if push comes to shove, Margot will have no problem getting rid of him regardless how it'll affect Simone.

"Margo thinks very clearly that he's not committed and her daughter's marriage is incredibly important to her daughter. It's fine line for Margo, because her family is totally devoted to her and she expects 100 percent loyalty from her children. As far as she's concerned wouldn't have to take sides [with regards to her son-in-law]."